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It’s been a long time since there was such a difference is scoring between our male and female judges. It’s not uncommon for the genders to differ on how they perceive and evaluate the aromas and flavors but the scoring is usually fairly consistent. Not this time! For the first time ever, we are listing the wines tasted twice with scores and comments by gender so that you can compare and contrast the diversity. As is the custom, the female judges scores and comments will be listed first, followed by the men’s assessment of the wines.

Choosing wine to enjoy should not be a nail biting challenge. Our lives are moving very fast these days and making choices for me seems to be getting harder. There is an abundance of selections in everything. Take television for example. If you have cable or satellite TV, it seems that there are an endless amount of programs to watch - at least until you actually try to choose something to entertain and/or educate you. So much of the programming is repetitive be it the same theme or just a rerun. If you're a football fanatic like my husband, you can watch the NFL network over and over and see the same game 20 times or more but if you think you're more discerning, you tend to trust the recommendations of friends, family or one of the many reviewers in the newspapers, in magazines, on television, or the Internet. So it is with wine.

The top rated wines from the panels and the delegates were balanced and elegant, a trend that we have seen over the last four years. It seems as if the style of Pinot Noir that wine lovers are embracing is more like traditional Pinot Noir and less like the burly, Syrah-like styles that had been popular in the early part of the decade. A wine style that is still highly rated and endorsed by some top wine reviewers.

Is there a commonality in these wine? Everyone one of these wines is outstanding! Taste and enjoy them all if you're fortunate enough to have the opportunity. Keep buying your old favorites but try new ones too. When you find a style you like, try other wines that are similar. Do you like this wine as much? See if you can determine the similarities in the wines you like best. Is it appellation? Winemaking style? Winemaker?

Hopefully, you have a retailer or sommelier that can help to guide you. Let your wine guide know the Pinots you have enjoyed and the ones that have been less to your liking. A good retailer or sommelier can help you make appropriate selections for your palate.

For your review check out the wines tasted with ratings and observations by both male and female judges.